How to choose a caravan
Buying a caravan is one of the biggest purchases you are likely to make. For some, it’s the dream purchase after a lifetime of hard work. Such is the magnitude of the decision that many buyers might spend up to 12 months just gathering their pre-purchase information and then be willing to wait perhaps another 6 to 12 months to finally take delivery of that new home on wheels. So, with that in mind, here are a few tips to help you find the caravan that suits you best.
What Is My Tow Vehicle’s Towing Capacity?
We have all heard those horror stories about the new buyer who did months of research, found the dream van, waited months for delivery only to find that their intended tow vehicle wasn’t up to the task. For that reason, if you want to avoid having to add a new tow vehicle to your caravan shopping basket, knowing your tow vehicle’s towing capacity is essential. And if you are happy to buy a new caravan and a new tow vehicle – here’s the rub – you need to know the towing capacity of the tow vehicles you are likely to buy.
Now, the good news is, the towing capacity of most recent model vehicles is available through the manufacturers’ websites. But here’s a few popular ones to get you started.
Toyota LandCruiser 200 GXL Turbo-diesel
If you’ve got a spare $100000 rattling around I your wallet then you’re likely to consider a Toyota LandCruiser 200 GXL. This 8 cylinder beast has a healthy braked towing capacity of 3500(KG).
Isuzu D-Max
For those that enjoy a ute then the Isuzu D-Max will match the LandCruiser’s braked towing capacity for around $70000 drive away. But hold on a bit because word on the street has it that the new MU-X that’s ready to launch is a real contender as a tow vehicle.
Weight
Does This Caravan Fit Within My Vehicle Tow Capacity?
Once you have the tow vehicle question sorted – don’t ruin the choice by still insisting on buying an a rig that’s just too heavy. All caravans have an Aggregate Trailer Mass. Abbreviated (ATM), this is maximum allowable mass of a caravan, as set by the manufacturer and that means the caravan and its load, including water, luggage, the mah-jong set and more, can’t weigh more than this to be considered legal.
A car with a maximum towing capacity of 3000kg could tow a caravan with an ATM of 3500kg provided the trailer weighs 3000kg or less when it’s being towed. On the flip side, it is illegal for a vehicle with a 3500kg maximum braked towing limit to tow a 3500kg trailer with a 3000kg ATM; the trailer is overweight. Simple really.
Ball weight
Does This Caravan Fit Within My Vehicle Tow Ball Weight?
Ball weight is a perennial campfire topic for caravanners. Here’s how it works, ball weight changes according to how the caravan is loaded. You need to know your tow vehicle’s tow bar rating. Then avoid heavily front-loading weight to avoid the risk of poor towing, excess fuel consumption and serious safety concerns. The tip here is to use a portable ball weight scale and check it every time you load up and get ready to head off.
Purpose
Where Am I Taking This Caravan?
As soon as you have thought through the issues around weights turn your mind to the sort of travel you imagine you might want to do. Are you going to take up the easy going life of the black-top tourer or rollup your ultra-wicking, armpit-vented khaki sleeves and haul your rig off-road. Whatever you choose will impact the weight, construction and cost of your caravan. Don’t choose an off-road van if you plan to never go off-road – you just don’t need the added weight and expense.
Chassis
The Chassis matters.
Have a look underneath, the chassis is a key structural element. Chassis vary in steel grade, size, weight, coating, and welding. The heavier the caravan, the stronger the chassis needs to be.
Suspension
Suspension matters.
Effective suspension systems make towing smoother, quieter, cheaper and safer. The longer the trailer is when compared to the tow vehicle, the more sophisticated the suspension dynamics must be. The same can be said for the conditions. Off-road vans require a more robust suspension to avoid damage to components caused by rugged conditions. There are various suspension systems available in Australian caravans today. These include:
Leaf spring, Tandem suspension, Independent trailing arm, Trailing arm air suspension
Body structure
Best body for your travel
Traditional timber frame and aluminium cladding walls versus Contemporary aluminium frames and composite panel walls is an ever occurring debate.
Here are a few salient points. Timber construction can be prone to water damage, and can compromise strength and durability. Aluminium frames are generally stronger, longer-lasting and easier to repair.
How to choose the right caravan